Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska broke its own record for warmest December in 2023, as did many other states in the north-central region of the U.S.

A center-pivot irrigation system waters a cornfield near Adams, Nebraska, about 45 minutes south of Lincoln. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Researchers involved in the study found that an aquifer’s depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to meet irrigation demands, and yield losses intensify when an aquifer drops below certain thresholds.

The Agricultural Budget Calculator is a free tool to help producers figure machinery field operation and ownership costs. For more, visit the ABC website. (CAP photo) An analysis of field operation costs for newer equipment versus slightly older equipment of similar size and power, which are used to determine costs for planting row crops.

The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist, on Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Dr. Pin-Chu Lai joined university faculty in January as the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center's new entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist.

The 2024 Nebraska Soybean Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Presentations at the 2024 Soybean Production Clinic will feature Nebraska Extension research on integrated pest management, soybean planter setup, nutrient and irrigation management, plant diseases and more.

For farmers and ranchers, having investments like a retirement account can help mitigate risk. Often, retirement funds grow at a higher rate than inflation, protecting a person’s purchasing power later in life. Insights on saving for retirement and reducing tax liability for self-employed farmers and ranchers.

According to USDA, only 40% of farm households participate in some type of retirement account. Center for Ag Profitability experts review features of the One-Participant 401(k), which helps self-employed individuals and their spouses save money for retirement and reduce taxable income.

For assistance with fluctuations in commodity crop prices, producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2024 crop year. Elections must be submitted by March 15. Hosted at numerous sites throughout Nebraska in February, the free workshops will help producers learn more about the ARC and PLC programs and how to apply in 2024.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. January's precipitation was a boon for Nebraska, improving "good" winter wheat standings by 23% and adequate-surplus topsoil moisture supplies by 26%.

Bean plants grow in the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center’s greenhouse. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Register by Feb. 9 to attend the 2024 Nebraska Dry Bean Day, featuring presentations on Nebraska Extension research, ag industry updates, weather impacts on dry bean production this growing season, and more.

Stacy Adams, UNL professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, kicked off the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture's spring seminar series with his presentation on alternative production practices and hydroponic approaches and value within the food supply chain. The spring seminar series features a new timeslot and variety of experts, set to share insights on topics such as rapid soil sensing, precision ag advancements, nitrate leaching, vegetable production, yield gap analysis and soil organic carbon.

Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation. Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, Soil Health Exchange experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices producers can implement to improve these drainage issues.

If you or someone you know is having a mental crisis or is emotionally distressed, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 for assistance. From subzero temperatures and blizzards to potential flooding in the coming weeks, the Midwest has had a tumultuous 2024 so far. This article provides positive relief strategies to help Nebraskans cope with stress and frustrations from these challenges.

Free to attend, the Annual Results Update meetings will provide Nebraskans the opportunity to hear on-farm research insights from the producers who conducted projects throughout 2023, as well as connect with Nebraska Extension educators. The meetings will be hosted in five cities across Nebraska starting in mid-February, with free attendance and a complimentary 2023 Research Results book for all who attend.

Five exam prep courses will be offered across the state in February and March for producers and other members of the public who need to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications. Available to the public, the course will prepare producers to pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a remote pilot certification for commercial use, from checking cattle and crops to spraying.

While taking stock of your operation for the new year, it’s also a good time to start planning spring annual forages. While oats are probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska, spring triticale or spring barley are also good options, with comparable forage yield and quality. Winter brings time to take stock of our current operations and plan for the future, which can make a significant different in success for the upcoming year.

While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals. Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can be used as a water source for cattle.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. February's clinics will be located in Fairbury, Norfolk, Stuart and Greeley.

The 2024 Nebraska Corn Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Topics of the free, day-long clinic in Aurora will include management of weeds, insect damage and plant disease in corn, corn planter setup, nitrogen sources and stabilizers, fertilizer applications, and more.

Sunshine and higher temperatures are expected for next week; however, more precipitation is also on the way to Nebraska.